My Daily Skin And Self-Care Routine
As a professional holistic skin therapist, it should come as no surprise that I take my own skincare routine to heart. So much of our skin’s success relies on consistent good habits and having a tried and tested toolkit of products and practices that are right for you! That being said, I am all about keeping things simple, yet effective. I of course have a rotating selection of go-to products, but I am also always switching things up. Depending on the season, most importantly, but also on which new products I discover, or new knowledge I gain through my work.
Now that we’re mid-summer, it’s a great time to remind you all of the importance of adapting your skincare to suit the weather. For example, in the winter months, it’s best to use a more nourishing moisturizer and add some different styles of pampering into your routine. Whereas, the summer months (as you’ll see below) are the perfect time to focus on hydration and protection. All that fun in the sun, plus exposure to wild elements like saltwater and wind can wreak havoc on your skin if you’re not diligent about sticking to a routine.
Naturally, I’ll be the first to point out that how our skin behaves and appears has as much to do with our inner health and mental wellbeing as it does with which products we use and when! That’s why I make sure to incorporate some simple at-home wellness practices into my daily routine. Maybe you already practice some of these or a different combination of similar habits, or maybe this is all new to you, but as everyone’s skin and inner needs are unique, I would encourage us all to take the time to try things out and find what works best for us as individuals.
MY AM ROUTINE
Getting outside into nature (thanks to my dog Freddie) is how I begin almost every morning – nothing compares to the energy it gives me to tackle the rest of my day! Whether it’s a long beach walk or a quick neighbourhood stroll, I find getting fresh air first thing in the morning does wonders. I’ll usually listen to a podcast while I stroll – something on skin science is my first choice (topics like our microbiome and acne are a couple of favourites). Occasionally I substitute learning about skin for something a little more spiritual, like energy work, manifesting, or astrology. To dive into any of these topics, I’d recommend the Expanded Podcast with Lacy Phillips.
Before I head out, I like to start my day off with a glass of warm lemon water to cleanse my system and help wake me up. Recently, I’ve also been into celery juice in the AM for enhanced cleansing effects. If I have some extra time, I also like to pop my jade roller in the fridge or freezer, then have a little facial rolling session for added de-puffing when needed. If you’re familiar with my product offering, then you know that I am a huge fan of supplements that help boost our skin from the inside out. Every day, I’m sure to compliment my routine by taking omega 3’s, probiotics, antioxidants, collagen powder, and plenty of nature’s ultimate supplement, water!
When it comes to products, I am far from a creature of comfort. Like I said, I love to switch up what I use when necessary (you’ll never see me using the same go-to for years on end, and I wouldn’t recommend that you do either!), and I know my skin thrives when I practice variety. Due to fluctuations in our environment (everything from our water quality to our sleep patterns and stress levels) and in our diet, our skin is constantly changing – it’s important to honour that by using the right products, ingredients, and treatments at the right times.
For my daytime skincare routine this time of year, I focus on protection and hydration. First things first, I spritz! The Cucumber Spritz hydration spray from Rhonda Allison is a go-to of mine to awaken my skin and simultaneously start the hydration process. I follow this with a serum like Elaspa Hyaluronic Acid 2-in-1, or my trusty Vitamin C serum. Golden rule? Always follow your serum with a moisturizer – I go with Brightening Cream Forté this time of year, and Moisture Boost Cream Forté or Nourishing Cream Concentrate during the winter. But all that hydration needs to be protected with a functional SPF – Tizo Mineral is my favourite. I wear their face SPF on a daily basis, with a body version for coverage everywhere else when I know I’ll be out in the sunshine. If you’re a client of mine, then you already know that I believe SPF is a MUST when it comes to taking proper care of your skin.
MY PM ROUTINE
I absolutely love sticking to a nighttime skincare routine. This is the time of day that our skin gets to settle after a day spent facing the elements, pollution, internal stresses, and more. As we wind down our nervous system and doze off to sleep, our skin has the chance to rejuvenate. Establishing a solid evening self-care routine can really help boost the overall condition of your skin, as well as help to reduce stress, allowing you to fall into a more restful sleep. Something I’ve always found helpful is drinking herbal tea in the evening – I usually down a whole pot of peppermint or my Huna Skin Nutrition Beauty Tea before bedtime!
Beginning with Rhonda Allison Creamy Milk Cleanser, I take my time gently cleansing my skin and washing away the day. If I happen to be experiencing a breakout, I will swap this cleanser for the Beta Green Tea for a little extra heavy lifting. A few nights per week, I’m sure to whip out my Derma Roller for an enhanced self-treatment that keeps my skin healthy and regenerating fresh collagen. This is a great practice to boost healthy aging, and a perfect compliment to microneedling treatment sessions.
For PM application, I am a big fan of powerful yet gentle vitamin A’s like Rhonda Allison Synergy A, perfect for a range of skin concerns, from strengthening and healthy aging to aiding breakouts and reducing inflammation. As a next step, I always incorporate a nutrient-rich oil. I keep a small rotation of oils on my bedside table (such as Rhonda Allison Pumpkin E Serum or Nourishing Grapeseed serum) and like to end the day with some facial massage or Gua Sha before hitting the lights.
Some nights, I go the extra mile when it comes to self-care. This usually looks like a warm bath and a weekly enzymatic mask, like the Cherry Jubilee Enzyme. If you find yourself feeling extra rushed or stressed in the evening after a long day, this is usually an indication that a bath could be just the thing to help you unwind!
Other Ways I Enhance My Self-Care Routine
Wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. My go-to non-negotiables are essentially a minimum of 8 hours of deep sleep per night, and tons of water! It doesn’t get more doable than that. In addition to this foundation, I choose not to restrict myself when it comes to diet and nutrition. I find that balance and knowledge are key, which is why I love to incorporate plenty of prebiotic-rich foods and healthy fats like those found in avocados, plant oils and, salmon (made easier thanks to living on the West Coast, but all fish tend to be rich in healthy omegas and fats). Leafy greens are another must – I stock my fridge with fresh kale to easily add to meals throughout the day. I have also been known to sip on mushroom powders and elixirs like Harmonic Arts to boost my inner health.
Taking a holistic approach to skin health means that I like to think of the whole body and mind connection as vital to maintaining glowing skin. I find that if you are tuned into your thoughts through regular practices such as deep breathing, gratitude journaling or acknowledgment, and grounding techniques like gardening, then your overall energy has a better chance of staying balanced and being reflected back at you in the mirror. Acupuncture to balance my stress, hormones, and adrenals is an additional practice I try to incorporate as needed. As a certified Reiki practitioner, I like to perform cleansing techniques on my environment (home and studio) on a regular basis, to ensure the energy stays balanced. And finally, I find that additional practices such as full and new moon rituals or ceremonies can be an excellent reminder to stay conscious of Mother Nature’s influence on our overall well being. This can be as simple as writing a list of what you'd like to call in or manifest, or drawing cards with close friends on a full moon. As you can see, for me it’s not as simple as splashing on a handful of products every morning – I focus on my whole health and am sure to treat my skin right along the way.
Questions about whether the products mentioned above are right for you and your skin concerns? Please feel free to leave a comment or book in for a Skin Consultation so that I can help you choose the right ones to add to your daily routine.
